Jose Joel Cartagena, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Jose Joel Cartagena, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care at My Psychiatrist Lake Nona. With extensive clinical experience in both primary care and psychiatric nursing, he takes a holistic approach to treatment—addressing the mind, body, and spirit.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Jose Joel effectively supports diverse communities, including the LGBT and first responder populations. He is committed to breaking barriers in mental health care, ensuring his patients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

His Journey and Approach to Care

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Jose Joel first earned his nursing degree before practicing for over 10 years in primary care, where he built a strong foundation in whole-person health. Seeking to expand his expertise, he transitioned into inpatient settings, working in intensive care units across Central Florida. These experiences reinforced his belief that true healing requires more than medical treatment—it requires empathy, cultural understanding, and personalized support.

Jose Joel later pursued advanced training at Nova Southeastern University, where he graduated with honors, earning both his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Psychiatric Nursing. Today, he blends his medical background with his passion for mental health to provide evidence-based psychiatric care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. His patients describe him as approachable, thorough, and genuinely invested in their well-being.

Education and Training

Doctorate Degree in Nursing — Nova Southeastern University
Master of Science in Nursing — Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing — Ana G. Mendez University

“Mental health is not a destination, but a journey—and I walk it with my patients every step of the way.”

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We had a lovely first visit with Dr. Caro! He cares very much, we felt after our visit with him! I felt that there would be some light at the end of our visit, for me as my husband’s caregiver! Thank you to the staff who all we just lovely to us as well!

-Sanford B.

I was especially impressed with the thoroughness of all aspects of my experience with Ventre Medical. Despite the limitations of personal contact due to the pandemic, I never felt that my care was compromised. The staff was attentive in every way, and my experience with Dr. Caro was also thorough, enjoyable and comforting. Yes, 5 stars

-Don G.

I am always welcomed and treated professionally by all the staff. I want to say that if the staff becomes overwhelmed Dr. Joubert will come out and call me himself. It nice to see that they work as a team Doctors and Staff. It’s a real pleasure to visit this office everyone has a smile and in constant camaraderie thank you this was a great day.

-Rosemary B.

We had a lovely first visit with Dr. Caro! He cares very much, we felt after our visit with him! I felt that there would be some light at the end of our visit, for me as my husband’s caregiver! Thank you to the staff who all we just lovely to us as well!

-Sanford B.

I was especially impressed with the thoroughness of all aspects of my experience with Ventre Medical. Despite the limitations of personal contact due to the pandemic, I never felt that my care was compromised. The staff was attentive in every way, and my experience with Dr. Caro was also thorough, enjoyable and comforting. Yes, 5 stars

-Don G.

I am always welcomed and treated professionally by all the staff. I want to say that if the staff becomes overwhelmed Dr. Joubert will come out and call me himself. It nice to see that they work as a team Doctors and Staff. It’s a real pleasure to visit this office everyone has a smile and in constant camaraderie thank you this was a great day.

-Rosemary B.